CLASS OF 2026

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The Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois Awards program (TOYP) recognizes individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 who exemplify the best attributes of young people from across Illinois. These young people come from many backgrounds and each excels in their chosen field, endeavors and show a great commitment to their respective communities. 

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The Illinois Jaycees is proud to announce The Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois for 2026:

 

• Kaitlin Fisher, 36, Champaign, IL for Personal Improvement and/or accomplishment.  Fisher is a Lieutenant with the Champaign Police Department. And serves as the District Commander for the Northwest Police District. She also co-coordinates Camp Fury, a program of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, which immerses young women in hands-on fire and police service experiences.

• Bradley Hardcastle, 39, Hoopeston, IL for Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership. Hardcastle is a System Administrator for METCAD 9-1-1, the consolidated dispatch center that answers emergency 9-1-1 calls for all of Champaign County and City Clerk for City of Hoppeston. He volunteers as an Auxiliary Officer for Hoopeston Police Department; member of Hoopeston Emergency Management Agency and the Hoopeston Jaycees where he has held several leadership roles including President, Treasurer and Chair of the National Sweetcorn Festival.

• Kurt Lichtenberg, 36, Warrenville IL, for Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership. Lichtenberg is a Lieutenant with the Hoffman Estates Fire Department and created the first-ever Fully Involved Fire Academy for individuals with disabilities.  Kurt also volunteers as Logistics Division Leader at Camp I-Am-Me, a camp for children who have sustained burn injuries and for Special Spaces which is a non-profit organization that creates dream bedrooms for children battling cancer.

• Savanna Tigue, 36, Jacksonville, IL for Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership. Tigue is Licensed Insurance Broker and an active member of Illinois Women in Leadership, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, and Jacksonville Rotary Club, where she is part of several committees and serves as a board member.

 

The Illinois Jaycees will recognize this year’s honorees at an awards banquet on April 11, 2026 at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria, Illinois. Tickets can be purchased for the awards banquet at Spring GA and TOYP | IL Jaycees

 

Please consider supporting this event by becoming a program sponsor or showing your support to an honoree by purchasing a program ad. More information can be found at 2026 TOYP Sponsorship Packages.